Summer is here!




Raspberry Ice

Directions

1. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup water and ½ cupsugar. Bring to a boil, stirring; let cool.
2. In a blender, puree 3 cups raspberries (12 ounces) with the sugar syrup. Strain into a loaf pan or shallow dish and freeze until firm, at least 4 hours.
3. Whip ½ cup heavy cream until soft peaks form. Using a fork, scrape the surface of the raspberry ice to create icy flakes; divide among bowls. Serve with the whipped cream and additional raspberries, if desired

Fancy Shmancy


Ever want to impress your guests with an easy gourmet dessert that will knock their socks off? Well Banana on a Stick will do just that.




Ingredients:

Bananas
Honey
Coconut, finely chopped
Chocolate, finely chopped
Walnuts or Pecans or Almonds toasted and finely chopped
skewers (I used plastic skewers from Crate&Barrel)

Instructions:   

Cut bananas into 1-1/2-inch chunks; insert a skewer, smear with honey then roll in coconut or chocolate or walnuts, or your favorite topping choice.
For a party, put all the skewers in a vase to impress your guests. Enjoy!

Mother's day Lemon Bars

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 1/2 pound unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups flour
• 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

For the filling:

• 6 extra-large eggs at room temperature
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons grated lemon zest (4 to 6 lemons)
• 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 cup flour
• Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

For the crust, cream the butter and sugar until light in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Combine the flour and salt and, with the mixer on low, add to the butter until just mixed. Dump the dough onto a well-floured board and gather into a ball. Flatten the dough with floured hands and press it into a 9 by 13 by 2-inch baking sheet, building up a 1/2-inch edge on all sides. Chill.

Bake the crust for 15 to 20 minutes, until very lightly browned. Let cool on a wire rack. Leave the oven on.

For the filling, whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and flour. Pour over the crust and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the filling is set. Let cool to room temperature.

Cut into triangles and dust with confectioners' sugar.

Mascarpone Mini Cupcakes with Strawberry     

                                   Glaze

Ingredients

• 8 ounces mascarpone cheese (about 1 cup), softened
• 2 egg whites
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 box white cake mix
• 1 cup water
• 1/3 cup frozen strawberries, thawed and drained
• 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Directions

Special equipment: 4 mini muffin tins and 48 mini muffin paper cupcake liners

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line the mini tins with paper liners.

In a large bowl combine the mascarpone cheese, egg whites and vegetable oil. Using a hand mixer, beat the ingredients until combined and creamy. Add the cake mix and water and mix until smooth, about 3 minutes. Fill the mini cups to just below the rim and bake until puffed and golden, about 18 to 20 minutes. Remove from the oven, let cool slightly in the tin then transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack.

Meanwhile, puree the strawberries in a blender or small food processor. Place the powdered sugar in a medium bowl. Pour in the strawberry puree and whisk until smooth. Top the cooled cupcakes with the strawberry glaze. Let the cupcakes sit for a few minutes for the glaze to firm up, then serve.

             Dessert Gifts with a twist

          We have all been there...that time when you accidently forget your friend's birthday. Now what? You have no time to go out and get a gift, so what do you do?! Cookies in a jar is what you do. This easy, creative gift will get you through any awkward situation. You'll never forget their birthday's again.

How to do:

Gathering Supplies

Start off by gathering these basic supplies. You will use the same basic supplies no matter what recipe you choose.

• Quart Size Canning Jars with Lids
• Scrap Fabric
• Ribbon
• Glue
• Paper
• Recipe and Required Ingredients (below)

Filling the Jar

Follow these simple instructions when you are ready to start filling your jars with the cookie ingredients.

1. Thoroughly wash and dry the jars and lids.
2. Pick a recipe and gather your ingredients.
3. Use the instructions and tips from the recipe you choose and fill the jar

Chocolate Sandwich Cookies 

Ingredients

• 1  package dark chocolate cake mix
• 1  package low calorie chocolate cake mix
• 4 eggs
• 2/3 cup vegetable oil
•  
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups confectioners' sugar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Lightly grease cookie sheets.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the dark and light chocolate cake mix. Add the eggs and oil, mix until well blended. Roll dough into 2 inch balls, and place them onto the prepared cookie sheet. Flatten the balls slightly with the back of a spoon.
3. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven, until firm. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before removing to cool on wire racks.
4. To make the filling, beat the cream cheese and confectioner' sugar together until smooth. Spread between two cooled cookies. Eat, and Enjoy!

Peanut Butter Easter Eggs

Ingredients

• 1 16 ounce package confectioners' sugar
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 8 1 ounce squares semi-sweet chocolate
• 1 tablespoon shortening

Directions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine confectioners' sugar, peanut butter, butter and milk (if needed for moisture) until blended. Shape mixture into two 1/2 pound eggs or make a bunch of smaller eggs. Freeze eggs for 1 hour.
2. While the eggs are freezing, cut semi-sweet chocolate into small pieces and place in top of double boiler with shortening. Melt over medium heat, stirring frequently until smooth. Stick a long-tined fork in top of each peanut butter egg, dip it in melted chocolate to cover then drain on waxed paper. 

Chocolaty Peanut Butter Haystacks

 

 

 

 

 

Ingredients

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/3 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup toffee baking bits
• 1 cup chow mein noodles

Directions

1. Place the chocolate chips into a microwave-safe bowl and cook on High for 30 seconds; stir and repeat several times, just until the chips are melted. Add peanut butter, cook for 20 more seconds to warm the peanut butter, and mix thoroughly. Mix in the toffee bits and chow mein noodles; stir to coat the ingredients with the chocolate mixture.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment or waxed paper; drop the mixture onto the lined sheets by the tablespoon. Refrigerate until set.

There is a lot of website out there that offer recipes at your fingertips. One of my favorites in the Food Network's website. They offer thousands of recipes that are quick and easy. Since St. Patrick's Day is coming up, they have a special page filled with dessert ideas that will knock your families socks off! Here is just a little taste of the endless recipes you will find.

The Best Bread Pudding

Ingredients

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 5 large beaten eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 3 cups cubed Italian bread, allow to stale overnight in a bowl
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, softened
• 1 cup chopped pecans

For the sauce:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup brandy

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 13 by 9 by 2-inch pan.

Mix together granulated sugar, eggs, and milk in a bowl; add vanilla. Pour over cubed bread and let sit for 10 minutes.

In another bowl, mix and crumble together brown sugar, butter, and pecans.

Pour bread mixture into prepared pan. Sprinkle brown sugar mixture over the top and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until set. Remove from oven.

For the sauce:
Mix together the granulated sugar, butter, egg, and vanilla in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir together until the sugar is melted. Add the brandy, stirring well. Pour over bread pudding. Serve warm or cold. Enjoy!

Easy Peasy

Wouldn't it be awesome if you could make a personal cake. A cake only meant for you to eat. That comes in a perfectly made portion size, that you do not have to share with anyone!? Well this is the recipe for you.

P.S. Did I mention you can also make it in 3 minutes in the microwave! Say hello to Cake in a Mug.

Ingredients:

• 4 Tbsp. cake flour
  • if you don't have cake flour, sift 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour and 2 Tbsp cornstarch
  • other kinds of flour will work as well, but the cake will be heavier
• 4 Tbsp. granulated sugar
• 2 Tbsp. cocoa
• 1 egg
• 3 Tbsp. milk (any kind)
• 3 Tbsp. oil (any kind but peanut)
• splash in a little vanilla

 Directions:

1. Grease the inside of the mug with cooking spray.
2. Measure and pour the dry ingredients into the mug. Stir ingredients with a spoon.
3. Crack the egg and add it to the mug. Stir well to get the egg incorporated in the dry ingredients.
4. Measure and pour the wet ingredients into the mug.
5. Stir and beat everything together to get a "cake batter" mix
6. Microwave on high for 3 minutes. Timing may be different for various watt amounts.
7. Watch as the cake starts to rise while in the microwave.
8. Use a potholder or oven mitt to remove the mug from the microwave.
9. Garnish the cake with ice cream, whipped cream, glaze, syrup, or another topping of your choice.
10. Eat and enjoy!

I have the munchies!

After the clock passes nine, you get that feeling. Your stomach starts bubbling and moaning, and you know it is time for a snack. You go into your kitchen, open the fridge and look in. You are expecting to see a big chocolate cake or a home-made apple pie left over from your Sunday dinner with your grandparents. But instead there is nothing that is appealing. Below is a chocolatey recipe for the night craving that will please anyone's sweet tooth. Enjoy!


Iced Chocolate topped with whipped Cream 

600 ml	milk
4 tbsp	hot chocolate powder
4 scoop(s)	vanilla ice cream
Directions:

1. In a microwave safe container, heat about 100 ml of the milk. Stir in hot chocolate mix to dissolve. Add remaining milk.

2. Add one scoop of ice cream to 4 tall glasses.

3. Slowly pour in 1/4 of the chocolate milk. Top with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles or cocoa powder if desired.

4. Serve with a spoon for eating cream and ice cream, and a straw to sip up the yummy chocolate milk.